magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir 

-ˈne-

: a region of space surrounding a celestial object (such as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it

magnetospheric

mag-ˌnē-tə-ˈsfir-ik 

-ˈsfer-, 

-ˌne-

adjective

Examples of magnetosphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Around the spring and fall equinoxes, conditions can become more favorable for the solar wind to interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Sep. 2026

This magnetic field would have been stronger than Earth's magnetosphere and, as such, would have influenced the flattening of the solar nebula. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Forecasters are expecting a coronal mass ejection that left the Sun between Wednesday and Thursday could arrive at the Earth by Sunday—these typically interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere and cause the aurora to appear visible further south. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

The magnetic field strength is similar to that of Jupiter, and Neptune’s magnetosphere extends out to far greater distances than the gap between GJ 436 and its planet. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

magneto- + -sphere

Note: Term introduced by the Austrian-born physicist Thomas Gold (1920-2004) in "Motions in the Magnetosphere of the Earth," Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 64, no. 9 (September, 1959), pp. 1219-24.

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for magnetosphere

• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• atmosphere
• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere
• chromosphere
• hemisphere
• hydrosphere
• lithosphere
• mesosphere

Kids Definition

magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r 

-ˈnet-

: a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field